Grammy's Attic: May 2021

Remember our challenges run for 1 week and this time you can enter with anything that has one or more butterflies on it. Come on - we want to be inspired by you and what you create! Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Get Well Fowers

This card was not only fun to make, it allowed me to try some new design ideas. The freesia image is from SheepSki Designs. What looks like dp for the background is actually pics of pink freesias which I printed from online to help me decide how to color the flowers in the image. When I was finished coloring the image, it seemed a shame to just throw out what I had printed so I fussy cut the flowers and added them to 2 corners of the card before wrapping the ribbon and layering on the image piece.

Colored w ProMarkers; glitter on the vase

Cut w Spellbinders die

Large freesias fussy cut

Butterfly embellies colored; glitter added

Ribbon scrap (RRR)

Sentiment cut w Avery Elle die

Challenges:

Butterfly (Naples Yellow, NY Pink)

That's all I have for now but check back late tonight (or tomorrow) when the Pammie's Inky Pinkies challenge begins for the upcoming week. Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Saturday, May 29, 2021

Hedgie & Snail

This is another image from Mariola Budek, the artist I recently discovered and I think it's a perfect spring showers image. Around here, we WISH we'd had many more spring showers than we actually had but instead we are in a severe drought. In addition, we are expecting our first over 100F heat wave for at least the next 5 days. I think I'll stay inside in the air conditioning, stare at this cool green card, and dream of rainy days. :-D

I used the sketch from Sweet Sketch Wednesday.

Colored w ProMarkers & gel pens

Cut w Unbranded die

Black mat cut w Unbranded die

Background papers are all scraps

Flower embellies made from negative die cuts

(the pieces which fall out when you use certain dies)

Sentiment fussy cut

Challenges:

Colour Crazy

Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Friday, May 28, 2021

Sowing vs Reaping

We're all familiar with the phrase "Reap what you sow" but this cute image from House Mouse Stamps makes me wonder about the wisdom of a tiny mouse sowing Catnip seeds! If, indeed, he reaps what he sows, he may have a field full of cats which isn't really what a mouse would want! On the other hand, maybe he's just warm and neighborly and believes in taking care of all creatures, friends or foes.

Or maybe he's like me and any excuse will do to get out into the garden, my favorite place to be! :-D

Colors chosen from Color Dare challenge.

Canary/ Mink/ Blue Belle/ Ivy Green w a neutral of Brown

Colored with ProMarkers

(my fav coloring medium because of the way they blend)

Cut w Lawn Fawn die

Matted w Cottage Cutz die cut

Texture burlap scrap

Plaid paper from Your Next Stamp stack

Sentiment cut w Avery Elle die

Watering Can charm

Fiber bow

Challenges:

Lawn Fanatics (used LF die)

Simon Says Stamp

TTCRD

I think I'll get away from the computer and go play in the garden for a bit. The weather this morning is a perfect balance of warm and still cool enough to be comfortable outside but that is slated to change drastically this afternoon and over the Memorial Day weekend. We'll be in the mid to high nineties later today and they are predicting a 5 day (or more) run of temps over 100 F starting on Monday. Yuck! I guess summer is officially here even though the calendar says it's still 3 weeks away.

Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Thursday, May 27, 2021

Birthday Balloons

I love kittens! I love birthdays! I love balloons! That makes this darling image perfect for me to use and now I have one more card to add to the birthday stash. :-D

The image is from Di's Digi Designs and the challenge theme is "Birthday cards."

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w Spellbinders frame die

Papers are scraps from the basket

Sentiment fussy cut

Grosgrain ribbon for hand-tied bow

Challenges:

Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Wednesday, May 26, 2021

Walking the Pug

My "third" granddaughter, more or less adopted by the entire family when she became a room mate to my eldest granddaughter, has the cutest "ugly" pug dog in the whole world, named Eva. When I ran across this image at Wink Wink Ink (I was lucky enough to win a challenge they sponsored), I grabbed it immediately and here's what I did with it.

I had just finished my first "Hat" easel card (see this post) and I guess my mind was still on doing easels because before I realized it, I was doing a second easel card this morning.

Colored w pencils and ProMarkers

Image is fussy cut w scissors

Brown doily cut w QuicKutz die

Circle cut w QuicKutz die

Image mounted on dimensional dots

Paper from Recollections stack

Sentiment mounted on dimensional dots

Easel is an A2 card folded lengthwise

Challenges:

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you've enjoyed your visit. Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Tuesday, May 25, 2021

New Spring Hat

I saw the tutorial for this "Hat" easel card over at Beccy's Place. It was so intriguing I just had to try it. This is my first attempt. There are parts of it which are a bit 'fiddly' but with practice, I know I can get better at making them and I'm more than pleased with this one for a first try. :-D

This was made entirely from scraps of dp and I'm pretty sure they were from a DCWV stack. I didn't have enough of the darker scrap to do the entire hat so I used a lighter dp for the crown of the hat. Even the ribbon was a scrap piece.

Papers = scraps from DCWV

Cut with QuicKutz dies

Card base and CS circles cut w QuicKutz dies

Paper flowers from Recollections

Ribbon scrap from RRR

Sentiment frame cut w Avery Elle die

Challenges:

Creative Fingers

Outlawz Colors

Outlawz Twisted Thurs

You really should go check out the tutorial at Beccy's Place (linked up above) and try this fun version of an easel card. They really are spectacular! Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Monday, May 24, 2021

'Til the Cows Come Home

"...'til the cows come home" was part of my childhood. Both of my parents loved the phrase and would put it behind nearly any admonition to finish doing something or in answer to every child's "Are we there yet?" The answer was usually something like "We're going to drive 'til the cows come home," "I want you to run 'til the cows come home," "You must study 'til the...." Well, you get the idea. When I saw this silly little cow from Bugaboo Stamps, I giggled and browsed through all those childhood memories. :-D

Calf and Barn images merged

Sentiment printed w image

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w Cottage Cutz stitched die

Satin edge, sheer ribbon from RRR

Metal brads

CAS masculine design

Challenges:

Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Sunday, May 23, 2021

A Birthday Celebration

This darling image is a freebie from LeAnn's World FB site to help celebrate LeAnn's birthday this month.

Colored w ProMarkers

Image & frame cut w Sizzix dies

Background = dp scrap

Really Reasonable Ribbon - polka dot ribbon

Sentiment cut w Avery Elle die

Tassel made from silky embroidery thread

Challenges:

Crafty Girls Corner

Digi Choosday

Double Trouble (all 3)

LeAnn's World

Lemon Shortbread

Passion for Markers (spots)

Simon Says Stamp

Stinkin' Inkers

I hope your weekend is going well and that you'll have time for some "me time" crafting during what's left of it. Enjoy and stay safe. NanaConnie

Saturday, May 22, 2021

Sophie and Kitty

You already know that I'm cat crazy so any image which has a kitty in it is going to speak to my heart. This is my latest DT card for Conie Fong and the image is called "Sophie and Kitty." Isn't she adorable with her red hair and calico kitten?

I love the way alcohol markers blend to give shadows and depth. Nothing else I use (pencils, chalks, water colors, or paint pens) gives the same effect so they have become my favorite way to color. I also wanted the image to pop so I chose a black background and a really CAS design. All I did was die cut the image and put it right on the background.

I did challenge myself a bit when I decided to do this all in oranges and yellows, my 2 least favorite colors (except for fall cards!) Despite not being a fan of those colors, I am rather pleased with the way this turned out. :-D

Colored w ProMarkers

Die cut w Spellbinders die

Hand tied bow w flower sequin

CAS design

Challenges:

Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Wednesday, May 19, 2021

Wrong End of the Hourglass

It's time for a new challenge at Creative Knockouts and this time we're sponsored by Jan's Digi Stamps. Our theme is to "Finish the Inside" of your cards. I used the "Beach Friends" image and sentiment, which reminded me of my mom who used to say that age 45 was when the sands of time began running into the wrong end of the hour glass. When I saw that sentiment, I just had to use it! lol However, in my case, I think they started running to the wrong end at about age 30. :-(

And here's what I did on the inside...

Colored w ProMarkers

Background paper w sparkle from DCWV

Double-loop bow, hand-tied

Inside dp = K & Co.

Challenges:

I hope we are going to see you playing along this week. Remember to finish the inside of your card and then submit it as an entry. We love being inspired by you! :-D Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Tuesday, May 18, 2021

Knitty Kitty

I've discovered a new artist - well, new to me though I'm sure she's been around for a while. She does digis and digital coloring books, and you can find her on Etsy here. Her name is Mariola Budek. Of course, I fell in love with this kitten wrapped in knitting yarn and it's from one of her coloring books. It's a .pdf file and I adjusted the size in Adobe Acrobat when setting up the printing process.

Colored w ProMarkers, pencils, & gel pens

Cut w Spellbinders die

Pink "jeans" dp scrap

Signature, hand-tied bow w flower sequin

Sentiment - unknown rubber stamp

Challenges:

Colouring in Scrapland

Digi Choosday

Double Trouble (all 3)

Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Sunday, May 16, 2021

Spring Walk for an English Lady

It's time for another new challenge at Pammie's Inky Pinkies and our theme is "Anything Goes." Our sponsor this week is Star Stampz and they generously supplied images for the DT to use. I chose "English Lady" - isn't she elegant out for her first spring walk?

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w Frantic Stamper die

Pink lace scrap from stash

Pink dp scrap

Sentiment cut w Avery Elle die

Framed w Frantic Stamper die

Hand-tied, pink lace bow

Challenges:

A Perfect Time ...

Creative Craft Cottage

Creative Moments

Dies R Us

Star Stampz

I hope you're going to come play in our challenge this week. Our sponsor, Star Stampz, has such cute digital images and you could win some of them! Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Saturday, May 15, 2021

Plant a Kiss

Half way through the month of May and very close to half way through the year! How did that happen? We're starting our mid-month challenge at QKR Stampede today and our theme is always "Anything Goes." You can use any images from any company on your projects but if you choose to use a QKR image (or one from our sister company, Eureka Stamps) then your entry qualifies for a separate draw only for QKR/Eureka images. That increases your chance of winning by a huge amount, so think about it! :-D

I did a lovely spring card using the image "Flower Girl" and the sentiment "Plant a Kiss" both of which are from Eureka Stamps.

I pulled my colors from the top row at Color Dare.

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w QuicKutz oval die

Lace trim added to image

Sentiment fussy cut

Row of pearls for embellishment

Mulberry paper flower w pearl

Card base made w shiny CS

Challenges:

Taylormade ...

Come play with us. The challenge runs for the rest of May and a new challenge starts on June 1. We'd love to be inspired by you and your creations. :-D

Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Friday, May 14, 2021

Home Tweet Home

One more card for a progressive challenge and this one is for Stampers Delights. I merged three of the images and a sentiment from the set for this month and this would make a cute card for someone moving into a new home or coming home after being away for a while. Come to think of it, it might even work to welcome kids coming home from their first day back at school considering how long they've not been able to go to school. Of course, having been stuck at home for a year, maybe they are delighted to be back at school. :-D

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w Lawn Fawn die

CS squares cut w Lawn Fawn die

Sheer, plaid ribbon strip = RRR

Bow tied using bow maker

Challenges:

A Bit More Time ...

Colour Crazy

Crafts Galore Encore

Creative Craft Cottage

Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Birthday Bear for a Blog Hop

This delightful Birthday Bear from Jan's Digi Stamps is wishing everyone at the C.R.A.F.T. Challenge a Happy Birthday during their 12th Annual Blog Hop. Jan's Digi Stamps has happily sponsored several of their weekly challenges during the last two years and when they asked if we'd like to participate in the birthday celebration, we jumped at the chance! For this Birthday Hop, Jan's Digi Stamps is offering a $10 (US) gift certificate to one lucky prize winner who leaves a comment on this post before or by May 19.

My card is also doing double duty as my mid-month DT reminder card for the challenge at Jan's Digi Stamps. As the Sponsorship Coordinator for Jan's, I'm delighted to make my personal blog one of the stops along the hop.

Pre-Colored Bear & Cake images merged

Sentiment merged

Cut with Spellbinders die

Background dp scrap from DCWV

Wide grosgrain ribbon used for the bow

You should have come here from Monika’s Blog and your next stop is Sheryl’s Blog

If you get lost along the way, check out the Annual Blog Hop post at CRAFT Challenge and also come play in the May challenge at Jan's Digi Stamps. Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Challenges:

Outlawz Twisted Thurs

Wednesday, May 12, 2021

Liliana Mermaid

Today I'm sharing the first of my #Conie Fong DT cards for the month of May. It features Liliana Mermaid as well as some fancy die cut work. Don't forget that each month we have two challenges running; one is for colored images only and the other is for completed projects. You do have to use Conie Fong images but there are so many of those and you're sure to fall in love with several once you go and explore the Etsy store. :-D

The image set includes Liliana both with and without a water lily and my original plan was to merge both images for use on one card. However, I had forgotten I was working with jpg images, not a png images, and the plan went awry. So I used one of the printed images and will save the other one for a future project. The sentiment is also from Conie Fong but not from the Liliana Mermaid set and I honestly don't remember which set has that sentiment. Sorry

The best part about this card is that it's made with scraps and bits, both paper and CS. Even the burlap ribbon for the bow was a left over scrap which I found in my scrap basket. There was just enough of it to tie that bow and trim the dove-tail ends.

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w Unbranded die

Sentiment cut w Unbranded die

Pattern paper from K & Co.

Lime green CS cut w Cuts die

Tallest flower created w 'negative' pieces from the die cut

Burlap bow hand-tied and dyed w ink pad

Challenges:

Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Fairy Dust Day

It wasn't until I saw this image and sentiment from Bugaboo Stamps that I understood what makes the difference between an ordinary day and a birthday. lol I love that idea and will be calling on the fairies for all family birthdays from this point forward.

Colored w ProMarkers (in my fave purples & blues)

Glitter added to wings

Image & frames cut w QuicKutz dies

Sheer & sparkle ribbons from RRR

Sentiment & mat cut w QuicKutz dies

Challenges:

Taylormade ...

That's all I have for today. I'm having a bit of a relapse into the COVID lethargy and am finding it hard to sit at the computer or crafting table for more than half an hour at a time. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better. In the meantime, Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Monday, May 10, 2021

Beach Lemonade

It's very likely that the area where I live will reach 100 degrees this week and it's only the first third of May, for Heaven's sake! We always get hot, hot, HOT! weather during our summer months, usually several days in a row of over 100 degrees and when that happens I either stay inside in the craft room air conditioning or I head out for the beach. I guess this week is perfect for this card I made over the weekend. These House Mouse mousies have the right idea but they really need to watch that sunburn. :-D

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w Die-namics stitched dies

Sentiment printed & cut with Die-namics

Scraps used for mats & frame

Sentiment printed on a scrap

Challenges:

I hope your weather is more pleasant than ours. If it's not, stay inside and Happy Crafting. :-D NanaConnie

Friday, May 7, 2021

The Dough Maker

Today's post is a quick one and it features the Dr. Digi image for the Progressive challenge at The Outlawz.

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w Dare 2B Artzy die

'Textured' dp from DCWV

Sparkle ribbon from RRR

(I love wrapping ribbon around the card front because it's the fastest and easiest way to add ribbon to a card.)

Sheer ribbon for bow (used Bow Maker)

Challenges:

Dragonfly Dreams (Sparkly ribbon)

Outlawz Twisted Thurs

Paperbabe

Scrapping4Fun

That's all for today. Happy Crafting. NanaConnie

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Happy Mouse

It's Thursday and that means it's time for another challenge at Creative Knockouts. This week, we're sponsored by Fabrika Fantasy and the theme is "Anything Goes." They supplied images for the team to use and I used the pre-colored, bonus image from the Happy Mouse set. I needed the shortcut of a pre-colored image at the time I was making this card; I was still in the midst of my COVID recovery. :-D

Pre-Colored image

Card front embossed w "Linen" EF

Butterflies cut w Press Cut die

Sentiment cut w Memory Box die

Satin & sheer ribbon by Crafty Ribbons

Hand-tied bow

Challenges: